Mobile telephone for internet-applications

ABSTRACT

A mobile telephone according to the invention contains at least one WEB server which can be coupled to at least one further server and to at least one client.

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile telephone which can be used inparticular in a communications system for monitoring and/or guiding avehicle or for monitoring the medical condition of a patient.

[0002] Communications systems for, for example, monitoring and/orguiding a vehicle are generally known. Thus; there are, for example,already vehicles (Internet cars) which are coupled to the Internet,which provides the driver of the vehicle with a whole series oftechnically interesting possibilities. A disadvantage of such vehiclesis, however, that a vehicle computer which has an Internet facility andwhich is programmed as a stand-alone WEB server and which is connectedto the Internet via a cordless mobile telephone has to be present in theinterior of the vehicle. However, such vehicle computers with anInternet facility require a very large amount of space, on the one hand,and are relatively expensive, on the other hand.

[0003] The object of the invention is to develop a mobile telephone ofthe type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that it makes itpossible to communicate on the Internet in a simpler way.

[0004] The way in which the object set is achieved is given in thecharacterizing part of patent claim 1. Advantageous refinements arepresented in the subclaims.

[0005] The invention is characterized by the fact that the mobiletelephone contains at least one WEB server. A WEB server is in this casea software packet which makes available specific information via aninterface to the Internet, which information can be interrogated onrequest by other devices connected to the Internet. By virtue of thefact that the WEB server is contained in the mobile telephone, a locallyindependent WEB server is easily formed, said server being situated withthe user of the mobile telephone at all times if the user carries thetelephone with him.

[0006] As an alternative, the WEB server can also supply the informationvia an interface to a local network (LAN) or another network.Furthermore, it is conceivable that a plurality of WEB servers arecontained in a mobile telephone, in which case, a WEB server isconnected to the Internet while another WEB server may be connected to alocal network. Here, it is also conceivable for the individual WEBservers contained in the mobile telephone to be coupled to one another.

[0007] According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, the atleast one WEB server is contained in the microprogram control unit (MCU)of the mobile telephone. By virtue of the implementation of the WEBserver in the microprogram control unit which is already present in amobile telephone, the mobile telephone does not need to be expanded withadditional components.

[0008] If the WEB server for the microprogram control unit of the mobiletelephone is too large, the mobile telephone may alternatively alsocontain a separate microprogram control unit in which the WEB server iscontained.

[0009] According to a preferred development of the invention, the atleast one WEB server can be coupled to at least one further server. As aresult, information which is associated in terms of content may becontained on each server, making rapid access to the correspondinginformation, for example for updating purposes, substantially easier.Here, the further server merely needs to be coupled to the WEB serverwhen required, a constant link also being conceivable as an alternative.

[0010] According to a further refinement of the invention, the furtherserver is contained in the mobile telephone, as a result of which it islikewise locally independent. However, the further server may also beone which is arranged outside the mobile telephone.

[0011] In addition, it is possible for a plurality of servers also to becontained in the mobile telephone or for a plurality of external serversto be connected to the mobile telephone via an air interface. If aplurality of servers are present,, they may be, for example,continuously coupled to one another or may be coupled to one anotherwhen required. Using an external server, it is possible, for example,for specific information to be transmitted from a service provider viaan air interface to the WEB server contained in the mobile telephone.This is advantageous if the information is so extensive that it is notpossible to store this information on the locally independent WEB serverfor reasons of space.

[0012] The difference between the WEB server contained in the mobiletelephone and the servers contained in the mobile telephone is that onlythe WEB server can be coupled to a network (Internet, LAN) via an airinterface, for example.

[0013] According to another refinement of the invention, the WEB servercontained in the mobile telephone can be coupled to at least one client.A client is a software packet which requests information from a server,that is to say a second software packet. A typical example is a databaseinterrogation in which a user calls information from the database serverby means of a client program.

[0014] According to one development of the invention, the at least oneclient is contained in the mobile telephone. As a result, the user ofthe mobile telephone can access the individual local servers via thisclient and interrogate information.

[0015] According to yet another refinement of the invention, the clientwhich is contained in the mobile telephone is designed as a WEB browseras a result of which a user of the mobile telephone can call Internetinformation via an air interface by means of http.

[0016] It is also conceivable for the WEB server contained in the mobiletelephone to be capable of being coupled to an external client which isdesigned for example, as an authorized browser and can call informationfrom the WEB server via the air interface.

[0017] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the WEBserver contained in the mobile telephone can itself operate as a client.As a result, the WEB server can call information from an external server(service provider), it being possible, for example, for the client whichis designed as a WEB browser and is contained in the mobile telephone tobe used for the access to the service provider. In addition, the WEBserver is operated as a client if it calls information from one or moreservers which are contained in the mobile telephone or else may be of anexternal design.

[0018] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the mobiletelephone according to the invention, the latter is used in acommunications system for monitoring and/or guiding a vehicle. Thus, thevehicle can be supervised and controlled by the driver or by an externalcontrol centre in a relatively easy way.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment of the mobile telephoneaccording to the invention, it is used in a communications system formonitoring the medical condition of a patient. As a result, it ispossible to request medical data in order to monitor the state of healthfrom a central control centre or from a doctor's practice and toinitiate actions which may necessary. As an alternative, the user of themobile telephone may call the information relating to his state ofhealth by means of the WEB browser located in the telephone.

[0020] The invention is described in more detail below with reference tothe appended drawings, in which:

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a communications system formonitoring a patient in which the mobile telephone according to theinvention is used;

[0022]FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the implementation of thecommunications system according to FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a communications system, formonitoring and/or guiding a vehicle in which the mobile telephoneaccording to the invention is used; and

[0024]FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the implementation of thecommunications system according to FIG. 3.

[0025]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a communications system in whichthe mobile telephone according to the invention (not shown) is used, inorder to monitor a patient medically, the block 1 shown in FIG. 1 beingcontained in the mobile telephone.

[0026] The mobile telephone consequently contains a WEB server 2 whichcan be coupled via an air interface 3 to a service provider 4 whichserves as the server. Furthermore, the WEB server 2 can be coupled viathe air interface 3 to an authorised browser 5 which is designed as aclient. The external service provider 4 and the external authorizedbrowser 5 are accordingly coupled to the mobile telephone via the radionetwork, the data communication taking place via the WEB server 2 whichis contained in the mobile telephone and which either passes onenquiries of a mobile browser 6 to the outside or receives and evaluatesenquiries from the outside. For the purpose of evaluation, a localdatabase 7 is used, which in this case functions as a server.Conversely, the database 7 may also be a client, in which case, in orderto update its data stock, devices (for example a glucose measuringsensor) which are connected are called via the WEB browser 2. The WEBbrowser 6 and local database 7 are likewise situated in the mobiletelephone.

[0027] The data which are measured by the glucose measuring sensor aretransmitted to a glucose measuring server 8 contained in the mobiletelephone, and are stored there. Thus, a medical service computer(authorised browser 5) may periodically interrogate the medical measuredvalues (glucose concentration here) via the WEB server 2 and in the caseof emergencies send back instructions. However, in the case of acuteemergencies (for example deficit of sugar) which is also possible torequest help automatically or manually via the mobile WEB browser 6. Forthe purpose of targeted guidance in an emergency, a service computer caninterrogate the location of the patient who is in difficulties by meansof the authorized browser 5 which proves its access authorization by apassword or a digital signature, and via the WEB server 2 of a GPSserver 9 contained in the mobile telephone.

[0028] The mobile telephone also contains a pacemaker server 10 whichcontains information on the working range of the pacemaker.

[0029] Furthermore, the mobile telephone contains an emergency detectorserver 11 which, for example via an acceleration sensor, receivesinformation indicating whether the patient has fallen. This informationcan be called at any time via the WEB server 2, in which case, in anemergency, the WEB server 2 can request help automatically using the airinterface 3 via the WEB browser 6.

[0030] In order to evaluate the information contained in the GPS server9, glucose measuring server 8, pacemaker server 10 and emergencydetector server 11, said information is transmitted via the WEB server 2to the database 7 which is coupled to a further storage medium 12. Thedatabase 7 can consequently be operated as a client or server.

[0031]FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the implementation of the medicalcommunications system according to FIG. 1.

[0032] The WEB server and WEB browser are standard applications whichmerely have to be tailored somewhat for the concrete applications. Allthe other servers may be realized as C/C++ programmes which can accessthe hardware (for example glucose measuring device or the GPS receiver).They are connected to the WEB server via a CGI (common gatewayinterface). With relatively large data sets it is advisable, owing tothe better efficiency, to use the POST access method. In this case thegateway server communicates with the WEB browser via standard input andoutput.

[0033] Because these parts of the system are not visible from theoutside, they can easily be replaced by other technologies (for exampleJAVA or VRML). There is provision for data to be stored in RAM or FLASHas a replacement for the harddisc which can be used only to a limiteddegree in mobile applications.

[0034] In the block diagram according to FIG. 2 there is a mobiletelephone 13 in which there are a transceiver unit 14 and a microprogramcontrol unit 15 (MCU) with a DSP.

[0035] The block 1 which is shown in FIG. 1 is, in the case of thecommunications system for the medical monitoring of a patient, containedcompletely in the microprogram control unit 15 of the mobile telephone13 according to the invention.

[0036] By way of a first antenna 16, the mobile telephone 13 is coupledusing the transceiver unit 14 and an air interface 17 to a base station19 containing an antenna 18. The base station 19 can, for example, becontained in a GSM system and be coupled to a service provider 21 via amobile switching centre (MSC) 20.

[0037] The mobile telephone 13 is also coupled via an interface. 22 to amedical electronic system 23. This medical electronic system 23 containsa glucose measuring sensor for determining the glucose concentration ofa person with diabetes or some other metabolic illness which influencesthe balance of sugar. The glucose concentration can be measuredautomatically here, the results being transmitted to the mobiletelephone 13 via the interface 22. The transfer is preferably effectedin a wireless fashion (for example via a low-power and short-range RFtransmission) in order to avoid the need for a permanent mechanical linkbetween the measurement device and mobile telephone. In the event of aninterruption in the transmission of data, the measurement device shouldstore values together with their time of production. Alternatively,instead of the periodic automatic measurement by appropriate sensorelectronics, the blood sugar values may also be entered regularly by theperson with diabetes into the mobile terminal via a keypad 24.

[0038] The medical electronic system 23 also contains a pacemaker with aradio transceiver module. As soon as problematic working ranges of thepacemaker are detected (for example permanent overloading owing toexceptionally high physical activity or technical problems of thedevice), a message is transmitted via the interface 22 to the mobiletelephone 13 located in the vicinity, and is fed via the WEB server 2from FIG. 1 to the local database 7 and stored there. As alreadydescribed above, in the event of the detection of a problematic workingrange of the pacemaker, the WEB browser 6 contained in the MCU 15 of themobile telephone 13 can be started automatically, in which case, forexample, an audible warning message may be output via a loudspeaker 25or a visual warning message may be output via a display 26.Alternatively, a warning message may also be transmitted to the serviceprovider 21 via the interface 17, the base station 19 and the MSC 20.

[0039] The medical electronics system also contains an automatic helprequest facility which can be triggered, for example, via anacceleration sensor which detects a fall or accident. A furthertechnically simple solution consists in the patient registeringperiodically at a service point per WEB browser. If the message is notreceived, a voice link is set up to the patient to ask for information.If the patient does not reply, the service centre initiates a helpaction owing to the possible emergency. The external authorized browser5 from FIG. 1 can make an enquiry via the WEB server of the telephoneand interrogate the precise location of the person, possibly from a GPSreceiver 27. The GPS receiver 27 may likewise be integrated in themobile telephone 13 here, in which case it receives the GPS satellitesignals via a second antenna 28.

[0040] The mobile telephone 13 additionally contains a microphone 29 anda video camera 30. Using the microphone, a patient who has, for example,fallen may request help if he is no longer capable of operating the keypad 24. The microphone 29 may be, for example, operated automatically ifthe abovementioned acceleration sensor triggers a help request.

[0041] Using the video camera 30, a remote diagnosis of a patient may becarried out, in which case the doctor attending can also obtain a visualimpression of the patient.

[0042]FIG. 3 shows e block diagram of a communications system formonitoring and/or guiding a vehicle in which the mobile telephoneaccording to the invention is used, in which case the same referencesymbols as in FIGS. 1 and 2 are used for identical components.

[0043] For vehicle applications, the same system from FIGS. 1 and 2 canbe used with few modifications. The date link to medical equipment mustmerely be replaced here by interfaces to the vehicle electronics systemand other built-in devices.

[0044]FIG. 3 shows a block 1 which is contained in a mobile telephone(for example in the MCU of the mobile telephone) and has a WEB server 2which is coupled to a WEB browser 6 which is designed as a client.

[0045] The communications system which is shown in FIG. 3 can, forexample, be used for vehicle navigation. For this purpose, a userrequests a route planning operation from a service provider 4 via theWEB browser 6 by entering the destination and the peripheral conditions.The request is then locationed in a queue of a database server 7. Thedatabase client 7 then processes requests by requesting from a GPSserver 9 the current location and the current safety status from anairbag server 21 and from a diagnostic server 32. This information isthen sent to the service provider 4. In response, the driver receives alocal road map to the destination, on which map the optimum route ismarked. The WEB browser 6 then periodically interrogates the databaseserver 7 in order to output on a screen (not shown in FIG. 3) visualinformation for the current location and/or to direct the driver throughaudible messages which are appropriate for the situation. The databaseclient 7 remains active in the background and follows the GPS locationof the driver. When the location of the vehicle reaches the boundariesof the local map, the client automatically sends a request to theservice provider 4 to update the local map. Between two such requests anexternal data link is not necessary since all the knowledge for thelocal route planning operation is located in the vehicle.

[0046] The database client 7 monitors the safety status of the vehicleby periodically sending enquiries to the GPS server 9, the airbag server31 and the diagnostic server 32, in order to detect critical situations.If an accident or other serious disruptions occur, the database client 7automatically transmits an emergency call to the service provider. Thelatter replies with a description of the associated action to beinitiated by it and opens a voice channel to the driver. In this way, ifappropriate, enquiries can, if appropriate, be made regarding the healthstatus of the occupants of the vehicle, or a help action can beeffectively planned.

[0047]FIG. 3 also shows an authorized browser 5 which is designed as aclient and via which a central transport data base (not shown),implemented at a forwarding agent's, has access to the entire vehiclefleet. If a fleet management application is active in the vehicle, thelocal database client 7 periodically transmits the GPS location,destination, status and cargo of the vehicle to the central databaseserver which stores this information.

[0048] The communications system shown in FIG. 3 can also be used forprotection against theft and for chasing vehicles, in which case theprotection against theft should be initiated by the owner of the vehicleby transmitting an authorization key to the service provider 4. Ifanyone enters the vehicle without permission, the local database client7 is started automatically and periodically interrogates the currentlocation from the GPS server 9 and transmits an alarm message with thelocation to the service provider 4. The latter can then deactivate thevehicle by intervening in the engine electronics. Alternatively, thelocation can be reported to the police authorities.

[0049] The question regarding the technical state of a vehicle or itsmaintenance can be answered by interrogating the car-diagnostic server32 which has access to the relevant technical systems in the car. Thediagnostic date could be evaluated after the information has beenrequested in a locally connected service computer by means of the WEBbrowser 6. Otherwise, this information can be interrogated by theauthorized external WEB browser 5 and evaluated at a service point (forexample motor vehicle workshop). An expert at a remote location can usethe latter procedure to evaluate the faults in the vehicle.

[0050] As is shown in FIG. 3, the block 1 also contains a server 33 forother systems. This server can be used, for example, for monitoringvehicle devices such as the heater, for example. The monitoring iscarried out here by means of the local WEB browser 6 or else using theexternal authorized browser 5. This enables the vehicle heater to beactuated from home or from the workplace.

[0051] The WEB server 2 is also coupled to a car HIFI server on which,for example, compressed audio information is stored. In mobile radios ofthe third generation (UMTS, successor of GSM) a considerably largerdataset can be transmitted. This makes it possible to offer personallytailored Internet Radio and Video Services if the tariffs for this areattractive and there is a simple automatic payment registration system.A user tunes into an Internet channel by means of push technology (i.e.he receives the current information of the channel, for example a radiostation, without requesting it). Alternatively a user can make contactwith his private WEB server in order to transfer his desired programme(for example a compressed audio CD). The received data may be compressedaudio information, MIDI music or compressed video information. Thisinformation can be called by the user via the WEB browser 6 and the WEBserver 2, as a result of which the mobile Internet terminal replaces aradio and a portable television.

[0052]FIG. 3 also shows a car telephone server 35 which is contained inblock 1 and which is coupled to the WEB server 2, and which can beaccessed via the WEB browser 6 or via the authorized browser 5.

[0053]FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the implementation of thecommunications system according to FIG. 3, identical reference numeralsto those in FIG. 2 being used for identical components.

[0054]FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 differ only in that the mobile telephone 13 inFIG. 4 is coupled to a vehicle electronic system 36 and to an airbagsensor 37 (in a dedicated way or via an air interface) instead of to amedical electronic system.

[0055] The airbag sensor 37 continuously supplies signals to the airbagsensor server 31 from FIG. 3, in which case in the event of an accidentthe database client 7 from FIG. 3 which continuously interrogates theairbag sensor server 31 automatically transmits an emergency call to theservice provider 21 via the air interface 17.

[0056] The vehicle electronic system 36 also continuously transmits datato the car diagnostic server 32 from FIG. 3. As already described above,this car diagnostic server 32 can be accessed when necessary, it beingalso possible to intervene in the vehicle electronics system via theauthorized browser 5.

1. Mobile telephone, characterized in that it contains at least one WEBserver.
 2. Mobile telephone according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe at least one WEB server is contained in the microprogram controlunit (MCU) of the mobile telephone.
 3. Mobile telephone according toclaim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one WEB server can becoupled to at least one further server.
 4. Mobile telephone according toclaim 3, characterized in that the further server is contained in themobile telephone.
 5. Mobile telephone according to one of claims 1 to 4,characterized in that the WEB server can be coupled to at least oneclient.
 6. Mobile telephone according to claim 5, characterized in thatthe at least one client is contained in the mobile telephone.
 7. Mobiletelephone according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the client isdesigned as a WEB browser.
 8. Mobile telephone according to one ofclaims 5 to 7, characterized in that the WEB server can itself beoperated as a client.
 9. Use of the mobile telephone according to one ofclaims 1 to 8, in a communications system for monitoring and/or guidinga vehicle.
 10. Use of the mobile telephone according to one of claims 1to 8, in a communications system for medically monitoring a patient.